New TV Hurling action filmed in JJB venue

FEBRUARY 2009

SOME of the biggest names in hurling get a taste of life on the coaching side of the fence when a new ten-part RTE children’s show is shot at the JJB soccer dome.

Kilkenny sharp-shooter Eoin Larkin is the star attraction, but the 2008 player of the year is in good company alongside fellow All-Stars, Shane McGrath (Tipperary), Ollie Moran (Limerick) and All-Ireland Championship top scorer, Eoin Kelly from Waterford.

Triple Poc Fada winner and former All-Star Brendan Cummins keeps things interesting for any budding goalkeepers, while camogie and football dual star Mary O’Connor completes an impressive lineup.

All six players are signed up by Dundalk-based TV company, Big Mountain Productions, who are creating the show ‘C’mon Camán’ for broadcast during the Easter holidays.

The series focuses on improving the hurling skills of 60 lucky sixth-class pupils who win the right to meet and train under their heroes over the Christmas period.

They are split into six groups – each with its own mentor – in a bid to unearth the 2009 ‘C’mon Camán’ champion.

‘We basically take over JJB for a week,’ reveals Philip McGovern, who runs Big Mountain Productions with his partner, Jane Kelly, at the DkIT regional development centre.

‘We look at venues all over Ireland, so it’s remarkable that we end up finding the perfect spot on our own doorstep.’

All 10 pitches are in use every day for skills sessions and mini-matches, while giant broadcast trucks – normally used for filming All-Ireland finals and major internationals – are parked up just outside the back door.